After some time, the three teachers closed their books. The Grand Preceptor announced, “Today’s morning lesson ends here. Please enjoy your meal, and return to the study at noon.” Everyone stood up, bowed in unison, “Yes!” Only after the teachers had left did they dare to sit down and pack up. Indeed, it was orderly and respectful. As Qing Qing and Ya Fu were about to leave, the Crown Prince approached, smiling, “Since it’s your first time in the palace, why not dine at my Eastern Palace, allowing me to fulfill the duties of a host?” The two quickly responded, “We wouldn’t dare trouble the Crown Prince.” Miss Yu Zhen stepped forward, “The Crown Prince wants to host? What delicious food have you prepared?” The young Seventh Prince and Eighth Princess, being small, had already been taken away by eunuchs and maids. The youngest, the Fifth Princess, upon hearing of good food, quickly dropped her textbook and ran over to pull at Li Qin’s hand, “Second Brother, what are we eating? I want some too.” Everyone laughed. Li Qin, looking at Ya Fu, tentatively suggested, “Why don’t we all dine at my Eastern Palace today? I’ve already had it prepared.” Qing Qing and Ya Fu, unable to refuse, bowed in acceptance. Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince, who hadn’t spoken, was playing with a piece of jade when everyone turned to look at him. He slowly said, “I won’t be going,” and walked away without another word. Li Qin’s face fell slightly. Ya Fu, sensing the awkwardness, quickly softened the atmosphere with a laugh, “I suppose the Fourth Prince has other matters to attend to. Let’s go and enjoy the hospitality of the Crown Prince; I’m quite hungry.” It was well-known that the Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince didn’t get along, but Ya Fu’s smile glossed over it. Her smile was beautiful, not just her eyebrows and eyes but her entire being. Li Qin immediately felt much better, as perhaps all young men would when seeing a beautiful woman they admired smile so warmly.
At the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince had indeed arranged for a lavish meal. On the large pearwood round table was an array of dishes, and eunuchs and maids entered in procession, silently setting down the food and then quietly withdrawing. Today’s meal was a royal banquet, mimicking the dining habits of the Zhou Dynasty, with six grains — rice, millet, sorghum, wheat, barley, and water oats; six beverages — water, fruit juice, rice wine, vinegar, cold tea, and barley water; six meats — beef, lamb, pork, dog, goose, and fish; and one hundred and twenty kinds of delicacies, with one hundred and twenty jars of sauces. Not just Qing Qing, even those as privileged as Yu Zhen and Ya Fu had never seen such a lavish feast. The Fifth Princess was left speechless in awe, exclaiming, “Brother, you’re so biased!” At her words, Li Qin caught a glimpse of the smile in Ya Fu’s eyes.
